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How to Remove Wallpaper Easily from Dry and Plaster Walls

Wallpaper removal is the messiest job that house painters can undertake. The job involves a lot of work and is most unpredictable. Most of the times the age of the wallpaper is not known and causes a severe problem. A test in a little corner, but that is not necessarily indicative of how easy the wallpaper removal will be. Painting contractors will sometimes suggest to the customer a time & materials arrangement.

The removal job will go a long way in taking care of any difficulties and protect the contractor from any surprises. Some homeowners try to do the removal task by themselves. The job is difficult, but with the help of professionals, it can be done quickly with ease.

Why should the Wallpaper be Removed?

Removal of wallpaper can be a risky, slow and messy process, but there are some excellent outcomes after the replacement of wallpaper.

More comfortable to organize your interior design and match a wider variety of furniture and art.

Know your Wall behind the Wallpaper

Most of the homeowners do not have the idea of what type of wall is behind the wallpaper. It’s important to know the kind of wall before removing the wallpaper. The removal is done based on the wall type. Is the wall dry or plaster one? Old homes have plaster walls, and newer ones have drywall. If you are not sure, you can guess what they are by gently knocking on them. If you tap on the wall and it sounds and feels solid you very likely have plaster walls. If it sounds hollow, you probably have drywall.

Plaster Walls: Plaster walls are secure and will not be damaged if they are in stable condition. The main drawback will be the age of the wall. In some homes, it is possible to have multiple layers of wallpaper installed over each other. The work is very hazardous if there is asbestos in the walls, so hire a professional for the job.

Drywall: These walls are very delicate to work. Many times some customers remove the wallpaper only to find out that the walls are severely damaged. The damage to wall happens more when the old installer did not prime the walls properly before the installation. In this instance, the repairing to the wall costs more than the money saved for stripping the wallpaper.

Essential Tools for Removal Job

There are some necessary tools needed for the wallpaper removal job.

Stepladder: You need one to reach the ceiling conveniently as most of the work will be done on the ladder. Stepladder with a tool tray is very helpful as it allows you to use both of your hands.

Bucket and a sponge: To apply the removal solution to the wall. Alternatively, you can use the removal solution to the wall with a tray and a paint roller.

Sandpaper: The top layer is mostly waterproof vinyl which is hard to remove. By using these tools, you can score the vinyl covering to allow the solution to penetrate and reach the glue. Be cautious not to damage the walls under the wallpaper. Drywall gas a delicate, paper-thin surface, especially when it gets wet with hot water.

Wallpaper removal solutions: Homemade removal solutions can be used for the removal job. The solutions can be fabric softeners, dishwashing liquid with water, or plain hot water. But it’s recommended that commercially available products be used for an easy and smooth finish of the work. There are many types of wallpaper removal solutions available. The solutions are to be used based on the kind of wall you have in your home.

The Most Common Wallpaper Removal Solutions

Liquid Removers: Liquid removing solutions have wetting agents that dissolve old adhesive. Since many wallpapers are water-resistant, the surface must be scratched, or scored, before application. The solution can also be used to wash away glue that stays after the paper has been removed. After the liquid has dissolved the adhesive, just pull or use a tool to remove paper.

Gel Removers: The gel removers work in the same manner as the liquid removers, but the wall has to be scored before the gel remover is applied. The main advantage of gel remover is that it won’t drip or run, allowing for more specific application and reducing the likelihood of it spilling onto the floor or furniture.

Steam Removers: Steaming is a comparatively easy and particularly efficient technique for removing stubborn paper that resists the best efforts of chemical removers. You can purchase or rent a steamer. Fill the tank with water and electrically heat the steamer. As soon as steam begins pumping out of the unit’s metal ironing-plate, hold it against the wallpaper until the adhesive softens up.

Conclusion

Wallpaper removal is a bit risky and slow process. The homeowners cannot do it by themselves. It needs some experts, and we at Executive Touch Painters do the job for you in a professional passion. For removal of traditional wallpaper and installation of new wallpaper or for other Home improvements, contact us or call now at (416)-410-0164 for a Free Estimate.